III 

109TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION S. RES. 286 

Commending the Grand Ole Opry on the occasion of its 80th anniversary 

for its important role in the popularization of country music and for 

its 8 decades of musical and broadcast excellence. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

OCTOBER 25, 2005 

Mr. FRIST (for himself and Mr. ALEXANDER) submitted the following 

resolution; which was considered and agreed to 

RESOLUTION 

Commending the Grand Ole Opry on the occasion of its 

80th anniversary for its important role in the popularization of country music and for its 8 decades of musical 

and broadcast excellence. 

Whereas the Grand Ole Opry is a pioneer of commercial 

radio in the United States, and is the longest running 

continuous radio program in the United States, having 

operated since November 28, 1925, and having broadcasted over 4,000 consecutive Saturday evening shows on 

WSM Radio, Nashville, Tennessee; 

Whereas the Grand Ole Opry played an integral role in the 

commercial development of the country music industry, 

and in establishing Nashville, Tennessee, as ‘‘Music City 

USA’’; 
2 

•SRES 286 ATS

Whereas the Grand Ole Opry has consistently promoted the 

best in live entertainment and provided a distinctive 

forum for connecting country music fans to musicians so 

as to promote the popularity of this uniquely American 

genre; 

Whereas the Grand Ole Opry serves as a unique American 

icon that enshrines the rich musical history of country 

music, and preserves the tradition and character of the 

genre through commemorative performances and events; 

Whereas the Grand Ole Opry is committed to quality performances, and the membership of the Grand Ole Opry 

represents the elite of country music performers, including generations of America’s most talented musicians, encompassing the music legends of old and the superstars 

of today that continue to define American country music; 

Whereas performers at the Grand Ole Opry have included 

such universally recognized names as Roy Acuff, Chet Atkins, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Vince 

Gill, Alan Jackson, George Jones, Grandpa Jones, Loretta Lynn, Uncle Dave Macon, Dolly Parton, Minnie Pearl, 

Jim Reeves, Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams, Trisha 

Yearwood, and many more; 

Whereas the Grand Ole Opry celebrates the diversity of country music, with membership spanning both generation 

and genre, representing the best in folk, country, bluegrass, gospel, and comedy performances; 

Whereas the Grand Ole Opry continues to utilize technological innovations to develop new avenues of connecting 

country music to its fans, and can be seen and heard 

around the world via television, radio, satellite radio, and 

the Internet; 
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•SRES 286 ATS

Whereas the Grand Ole Opry provides heartening support to 

members of the Armed Forces by participating in the Department of Defense’s America Supports You Program, 

providing live performances to American Forces serving 

abroad via the American Forces Radio and Television 

Services network; 

Whereas the Grand Ole Opry is recognized as the world’s 

premiere country music show, and continues to entertain 

millions of fans throughout the world, including United 

States Presidents and foreign dignitaries, and serves as 

an emissary of American music and culture; and 

Whereas the Grand Ole Opry will continue to impact American culture and music, and play an important role in 

presenting the best in country music to new generations 

of fans throughout the world, touching millions with 

music and comedy: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the Senate commends the Grand Ole 

2 Opry on the occasion of its 80th anniversary for its impor3 tant role in the popularization of country music, and for 

4 its 8 decades of musical and broadcast excellence. 

Æ